St. James Lutheran Church received its charter in January of 1962. Our first home was in the Lake Bluff Jr.
High School and remained there for the following three years. The first service held on March 11, 1962 had 90
worshipers in attendance with Rev. Edward Hammer serving as the mission pastor.
By January of 1963 the church constitution was adopted. Two months later, Lutheran Church Women organized, and
in April the first confirmation class was confirmed.
Ground breaking for the first church unit occurred in October of 1964, with the dedication in 1965.
Rev. Edward Livingston became our second pastor in November of 1966, and nine years later, in 1975, G. Anton ("Tony") Danielson received the call.
By the end of 1979 baptized membership surpassed the 500 mark, and an expanded facility to include an
educational wing seemed imminent. This unit was dedicated in November of 1980.
The Rev. Barbara S. Gazzolo joined the staff in November of 1982.
In keeping pace with increasing membership, the present sanctuary was dedicated in 1990. A pipe organ was
installed by March of 1992.In 2000, pastor Danielson retired
after 25 blessed years of service. In the summer, Richard
Holmer received the call and became our new pastor.
Currently the Baptized membership exceeds 800.
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